Volley & Spin Your Way to Summer Fun

Summer. There is no better season to enjoy an almost endless variety of outdoor games with family and friends. Two games in particular seem to be exploding in popularity. The first is volleyball, which is quickly becoming the hot new summer game of choice among the Gen-Y crowd. The other is disc golf, which is skyrocketing in popularity among people of all ages.

Serve, Set, Spike

Originally called mintonette, volleyball is the second most popular sport in the world today, exceeded only by soccer. It has been part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1964. Played indoors and out, at playgrounds and parks everywhere, volleyball is also one of the most popular summertime beach games. “Just look around and you’ll see parents, kids and people of all ages playing,” says Chris Morton of Tachikara, the world’s leading manufacturer of competition, performance, recreational, training and beach volleyballs. “Volleyball is also rapidly becoming the favorite game of the 20-something Gen-Y crowd who appreciate the social aspects of the game.”

When played as a team sport, two teams of six players try to score points by grounding the ball on the other team’s side of a net. But, don’t let the number of players or rules get in your way. “Choose the right ball for your style of play,” says Morton, “and just focus on having fun.”

Tachikara’s Volley-Lite® brand volleyballs are ideal for young players. They are regulation size but 25% lighter in weight to help young players overcome the fear of impact. SV5WSC-series balls feature a loose-internal bladder and Sensi-TecTM micro-fiber composite cover in several colors to deliver a winning combination of superior control and performance. Tachikara’s new Zebra and Leopard brand volleyballs sport animal-themed patterns and new Sof-Tec™ foam backed covers that virtually eliminate sting during play. Matching TK-Leopard and Zebra — themed knee pads are also available.

Spin and Score

If you are looking for a fun new way to bring family and friends together, give disc golf a spin. It’s golf — with discs. It’s drives, approach shots and putts. It’s players striving to complete the course in the fewest number of throws. Unlike traditional golf however, disc golf is played with durable, bevelled-edge flying discs. Courses may be wide open or have narrow tree-lined fairways. The hole at the end of each fairway is a metal basket that stands about 4 ½ feet tall, with hanging chains that catch the disc in flight.

According to the Professional Disc Golf Association between 8 and 12 million people have played at least once and about 500,000 play regularly. “It’s great fun, amazingly affordable and getting started is easy,” according to Jonathon Poole of Innova Disc Golf. “Just visit www.innovadiscs.com and use the Course Search tool at the left side of the home page to find the disc golf course nearest you.”

Innova offers the most popular and complete line of precision molded golf discs with over 60 models. Each model has distinct flight characteristics, defined by its speed, glide, turn, and fade. A disc’s rating in each category is identified by a numeric code imprinted on the disc. There are also different weights. Heavier weight discs provide greater control in the wind.

Poole recommends that beginners concentrate on learning to throw only one disc until they develop a more powerful snap. “The Aero, Leopard, Polecat, Cobra, and Stingray are all excellent choices for new players. Once you become more comfortable, you can then experiment with different discs for different types of shots,” says Poole.

Distance drivers like the Ape, Boss and Vulcan are designed for maximum distance off the tee. Fairway drivers such as the Banshee and Eagle provide excellent distance with added control and accuracy. Mid-Range discs including the Gator and Skeeter provide accuracy and control for approaches and short drives. Putters and Approach discs such as the Dart and Sonic deliver dependable, accurate putts and approach shots.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let summer slip away. Get in the game with your family and friends. Create a summer full of fun, laughter and memories. Dunham’s has everything you need to make it happen.

-Fun For All Ages

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